Many of us think that if our kids have enough knowledge about how the world works then they will be steadily on their way to success. It’s true, as Nelson Mandela has said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” However, there’s an important factor we must consider… Read more
Today’s Gonna Be Awesomesauce
We’ve been learning about safety drills. How to check temperatures when students arrive while having our own checked each day. Where they should stand on the 6-feet apart markers with our super cute school logo. Masks on. No hugging or touching. Wash hands, use sanitizer, rinse and repeat. Wellness surveys must be completed the night… Read more
Educators know that teaching is stressful. Sure, it’s a lot of other things, too. It fills our hearts with joy, passion, and purpose. But to be real and extremely blunt, it’s one of the most stressful careers in modern society. That was before COVID-19. Post COVID-19 Mental Health With the introduction of this expansive, sinister… Read more
With several weeks of the coronavirus hitting the U.S. like a freight train on a country-wide mission that has suddenly derailed its entire cargo system, we’ve felt the jarring impact on almost every level: physically, economically, mentally, psychosocially, emotionally, and spiritually. The physical impact is heart breaking as the death rates around the world increase… Read more
Many students come to school with so much emotional baggage, classroom engagement often looks like emotional storms. And, if an educator in the classroom or leader on campus isn’t tending to these emotional storms, they are re-directing multiple students’ attention. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are tons of educators doing a fabulous job providing… Read more
I heard these two menacing words throughout my school life – that sounded part drill sergeant and a well-intentioned mom who was beyond stressed from her kids not listening the hundredth time – “Please focus!” Easy enough. But, somehow more challenging than the algebraic equations or Homer literary compositions we had to learn. And, that’s… Read more
“I don’t have time!” one leader with hunched shoulders and a desperate look on her face said to the group as if the pleading in her eyes would signal me to give her THE answer. While facilitating mindfulness trainings to groups of busy educational leaders in large urban districts, this exclamation, proclamation almost, is unfortunately… Read more
My hubby and I were in a conflict the other day. It was one of those everyday conflicts that pops up in the seemingly “everything is ok”. It caught both of us by surprise. As my stress levels raise, naturally my ability to regulate my emotional state becomes a bit more compromised. My sparkle filter… Read more
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” ~ Blaise Pascal, French mathematician I was recently speaking at a conference for educational leaders (some of you reading this may have been there!). During my talk I guided the audience through a mindfulness practice. We did a simple breath practice… Read more
Do you cringe when you hear the word, “meditation”? If you do, don’t worry. You are not the only one! I often hear, “meditation isn’t my thing… I just can’t keep my mind still and free from thoughts.” So, this is my attempt to break down the illusion that meditation looks like peaceful bliss all… Read more
